Rhode Island Firefighters Respond to Dye Mill Fire

Woonsocket Firefighters responded to numerous calls for a fire at 229 First Avenue during the early afternoon of February 27th.

Upon arrival they found heavy fire and smoke showing from the vacant Seville Dye mill. Operations were exterior only for the posted building, and companies found several dead hydrants in the area.

The fire quickly went to three alarms, and faced with closed Woonsocket stations and companies, brought mutual aid from several communities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

The fire appeared to be contained to the end of the complex and darkening down when thick, billowing black smoke began pouring out of the roof, quickly blanketing and consuming the neighborhood. Heavy fire was through the roof, but was difficult to see with the amount of smoke pushing from the building.

Drafting operations from the nearby Blackstone River began allowing another ladder pipe and more big lines to go into operation. The intensity of the fire again was held in check and held to the area of origin. Several more alarms were struck for relief purposes. Nearby homes had to be evacuated and the cause is under investigation.